'Time To Get Out Of The Way': Victoria Moves To Legalise Euthanasia

An Australian-first bill will soon be introduced into state parliament.

'Now, let us have a respectful debate about the choices available to us at the end of our lives.'

CANBERRA -- Calling for a "respectful" debate, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced Victoria will soon move to become the first Australian state to legalise voluntary assisted dying.

He said on Tuesday that a bill to legalise euthanasia will be introduced in state parliament "quite soon" as it was "time to get out of the way" of people who wanted a dignified death. The bill is yet to be drafted, but state politicians will be granted a conscience vote.

It comes as the state Labor Government officially accepts all 66 recommendations of an expert panel, chaired by former AMA president Brian Owler, for the "safest-possible" euthanasia model. In total, there are 68 safeguards, according to Andrews.

Andrews said Victoria's regime will be conservative and the "safest" in the world, with "fundamental protections and safeguards" to protect vulnerable people from exploitation and coercion.

"On some measure, the most conservative safety-focused regime that could be put in place," he told reporters in Melbourne.

"While still at the same time allowing those with a terminal condition, in the terminal phase of that condition who are sound of mind, to avail themselves of a three step process to end their life in the most compassionate and sensitive way."

It's recommended that patients with an advanced and incurable illness be required to submit three requests to die, with a wait of at least 10 days between submitting the first and third requests. This is flexible if a person is likely to die within the 10 days.

The person initiating the request must be of "sound decision-making capacity" so patients with mental illness or a disability are not included.